The project was supported by the Religious Affairs Turkish Islam Union (DITIB), Milli Gorus (National Vision) and Alevi associations, and the Turkish Consulate in Strasbourg.
French politicians and religious representatives who attended the opening ceremony underlined the importance of the garden.
Muslims displayed Iznik ceramics, Christians exhibited ceramics depicting Golgotha hill where Jesus is said to have been crucified, while Jews presented ceramics with images of Golan Heights.
Turkish associations built a fountain of Ottoman architectural style in the garden because it symbolized that “Islam represents purity and cleanliness, and that life originated from water.” The Turkish Consulate in Strasbourg also financed the construction of the fountain.
Representative of Alsace Local Council MEP Emile Blessig said the garden of religions is an exemplary project as it is a first for France.
“Alsace is the richest French region in terms of cultural diversity. The Jewish, Protestant, and Muslim population is very high here. This garden that unites all of us under one Creator is a very important event,” the French MEP said.
Saverne Mayor Thierry Carbiener, who contributed to the building the garden of religious dialogue, thanked those present for the high turnout and said, “We all equally strong, since we are all here.”
The audience was treated to a performance of the ney (reed flute) and hymns, as well as folkloric plays of the Alevis during the program.
Muslim, Christian, and Jewish spiritual representatives spoke to Zaman and said they can better understand Turks thanks to dialogue initiations, adding to positive relations which are practiced in daily life.
DITIB Representative in Strasbourg Musa Orak said Islam, a religion of tolerance, is also influential in France.
Protestant Priest Pierre Kopp and Catholic Clergyman Thomas Brunagel said they are impressed by the tolerance of about 3,000 Turks living in Saverne.
Chief Rabbi Claude Heymann compared the garden of religions to Adam and Eve’s Garden of Eden.